What happened: The Senate Finance Committee approves contentious legislation that would phase out the personal property tax for industrial properties and provide an exemption for small commercial properties. The bills now head to the full Senate.

Why it matters: The business community supports the bills as a way to make the state more attractive to investment. But local governments, schools and other taxing authorities are concerned about losing tax revenue. They’re urging a guaranteed replacement in the Constitution, but the bill’s backers don’t want that. The legislation calls for reimbursing local taxing authorities for most of the lost revenue with funds freed up by the expiration of business tax credits.

File photo"Constitutional carry' backers want to carry concealed handguns without having to get a permit.

“Constitutional carry’ rally planned at Capitol
Tuesday, May 1

What happened: A group seeking the unfettered right to carry concealed guns without permits, anywhere they choose, is planning a gun-carrying rally outside the state Capitol.

The May 19 event is part of a push to have Michigan join a handful of other “constitutional carry” states where laws generally do not restrict how or where a gun is carried, nor is a concealed weapon license required. Vermont, Alaska, Arizona and Wyoming have similar laws.

Why it matters: The effort comes as Senate lawmakers are considering a bill that would streamline concealed licensing and allow permit holders with extra training to carry hidden handguns in schools, college classrooms, and other places they are now banned. Organizers of the rally would like to take that a step further.

”We feel that the political climate is getting right for being able to recognize constitutional carry in Michigan,” said John Roshek, president of the Citizens League for Self Defense.

Democrats: Tuition aid would boost economy
Wednesday, May 2

What happened: Senate Democrats say the state would be investing in talent – and boosting the economy – by granting $9,600 scholarships to college-bound students.

But the Republican head of the Senate Finance Committee said the $1.8 billion price tag might be too much to bear while the state works to help businesses create jobs.

Whitmer said there are $35 billion in tax incentives on the books and $28 billion in state contracts that should be scrutinized. She proposes some of that money be diverted to the college plan.

Why it matters: Lou Glazer, president of Michigan Future Inc., testified a well-educated workforce will be essential for Michigan to prosper. That could be a problem, as the state is ranked No. 36 in terms of college attainment.

Glazer said the state’s previous manufacturing-based economy leaned on financial and material capital. “But today, talent has surpassed other resources as a measure of economic growth.”

Jessica McGregor | For MLive.comMedical marijuana supporters protest legislation that would change the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act. More than 150 people attended the event at the Capitol last month.

Medical marijuana reforms approved in House
Thursday, May 3

What happened: The House passed four bills with bi-partisan support that amend the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act or make other reforms. The bills now head to the Senate. The legislation attempts to clarify issues that have arisen since the act was approved by voters more than three years ago.

Why it matters: More than 150 people protested the bills at the Capitol last month. They say the changes infringe on patient rights. Medical marijuana advocates have expressed support for one of the reforms- the right to present a medical marijuana defense in court.

Are 4-year-olds too young for kindergarten?
Thursday, May 3

What happened: Some Michigan children would have to wait a year longer before heading to kindergarten under a bill that unanimously cleared the state Senate.

State Sen. Darwin Booher, R-Evart, said educators have complained
some 4-year-olds have been allowed to start kindergarten, but just aren’t ready socially, causing disruptions in class and often being held back a year.

State law allows children to start kindergarten in the fall if they turn 5 by Dec. 1 of that year. The bill gradually pushes the date up to Sept. 1.

Why it matters: Boohers said the bill is supported by educators, who testified at committee meetings that younger students often just aren’t ready.

“Kindergarten teacher after kindergarten teacher was saying, ‘Do this! Do this! We have real problems in our schools.’” He said. “It’s not that the kids aren’t smart enough. There are behavioral issues, and a large percent are those 4-year-olds. That takes away from the rest of the children.”